Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
Revenue for the Hardware, Plumbing and Heating Equipment Wholesaling industry declined significantly in most of the five years through 2012-13. After five consecutive years of decline, the industry is expected to recover with growth of 8.9% to reach £8.12 billion. Overall, industry revenue declined at an average rate of 9.4% per annum. Profit experienced similar trends, with large declines followed by only slight improvements towards the end of the period.
The major issue currently facing the industry is wholesale bypass, whereby manufacturers supply products directly to retailers, leaving wholesalers out of the supply chain. By supplying directly to retailers, manufacturers can get their products to the final consumer far quicker and cheaper... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Industry Analysis Chapter
The five years through 2012-13 have been troubling for the industry. Most of the decline came as demand from hardware and home improvement stores, and demand from plumbing, heat and air conditioner installation, plummeted as the economy slowed during the global financial crisis. Declining house prices and slower residential construction activity over the past five years has seen many homeowners decide to improve their existing homes rather than relocate. Levels of disposable income encouraged the home improvement trend in the early part of the period. However, falling disposable income since 2009-10 caused the decline of demand for hardware and residential construction. Residential construction activity declined significantly at the beginning of the period between 2007-08 and 2009-10... purchase to read more